By Sofiat Adenekan-Abdul
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has assured residents of Abaji that the FCT University of Science and Technology will commence operations during his tenure, while promising urgent intervention to address the area’s persistent electricity challenges.
Wike gave the assurance on Tuesday, during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting in Abaji Area Council, where he said the proposed university would soon open its doors to students.
He described the institution as a major step towards expanding access to higher education, particularly in science and technology-related fields across the FCT.
On electricity, the minister directed his Chief of Staff, Chidi Amadi, to engage the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) to establish the financial requirements for restoring stable power supply to the area.
Wike said the prolonged power outage had negatively affected artisans, small business owners and residents whose livelihoods depend on electricity, assuring them that the FCT Administration would take immediate steps to address the situation.
He stressed that the government would not allow the area’s economic activities to continue suffering because of inadequate electricity.
The minister attributed the administration’s interventions to feedback from previous engagements with residents, noting that requests for improved security and educational infrastructure had received attention.
He added that his visits to the six FCT area councils had provided valuable insight into the needs of communities at the grassroots, which he would continue to communicate to President Bola Tinubu.
Wike also highlighted the establishment of the FCT Civil Service Commission and the creation of specialised secretariats for women and youths as notable achievements of the administration.
Earlier, the Chairman of Abaji Area Council, Abubakar Umar Abdullahi, commended the minister for his support and appealed for the university’s full inauguration and the restoration of stable electricity.
The Ona of Abaji and Chairman of the FCT Traditional Council of Chiefs, Adamu Baba Yunusa, alongside other community leaders, also praised the minister’s development efforts.
Meanwhile, representatives of women and youths called for greater inclusion in government appointments, skills acquisition programmes and other opportunities.
The meeting was attended by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, political leaders, traditional rulers and other community representatives.
